so was my border collie when at the rescue centre little sod did a number on me when at the rescue centre
Yeah, she hasn't been left in the open yet alone. She seems great with the cats at the moment, just wants to sniff them but backs down when they hiss or growl... But we don't trust her alone with cats just yet, so unfortunately she is crated at night and when no one around. (Fortunately that won't be long during the day, wife leaves for work early, she's part time, and schools start/end early here, so my youngest gets back shortly after 2). If a week passes, she settles, and still doesn't chase the cats, we plan on letting her roam the house at night and when we're alone. Hopefully settee doesn't become chew toy. She's getting an hour walk with the wife in mornings... An hour with me in evenings ... Plus kids still in the mode of "new dog,.time to play". She's been stuck in a small cage for 2 months at pound without exercise, so hope she will welcome the rest for now... She's not used to so much activity. Had to keep telling kids to let her rest this weekend... Pooch was pooped, not used to so much exercise.
Best advice I can give you is start as you mean to go on. The first few weeks are very important; take out on a walk near busy roads to get used to cars, don't keep it in a crate (unless you plan to do it it's entire life) as it'll feel over free when not in one (especially when you're not around), if it'll be left alone for long periods then do it now so it's used to it and sees it as normal.
We will, but don't feel safe leaving her with cats in open just yet. I don't think she'll hurt them, she just wants to sniff and backs down when cats show displeasure. Just worried when her confidence sets in if she will be more aggressive to them. Cat safety comes first. Not going to be left alone with cats until we feel safe. We are trying to make sure she's socialised... So she's already met neighbours dogs and a friend's dog... Been on walks etc. Not too many busy roads have pavements to walk on in SE USA... Not many roads have places to walk in general (people don't walk anywhere here), but good suggestion to get her used to car noise. There is one place I know that she'll encounter that and safe to walk.
I'd be more concerned about the cats hurting the dog tbh. It's unlikely the dog will catch the cat although if it does it could be fatal
thought it was small enough. Cats set the agenda. they will be the alphas with most dogs or will just find high places to kip. the important 2 things are: a) its a she. so a bit less territorial. b) you get it neutered right away. Do not wait. once a dog starts forming habits of territory marking etc its too late.
It is a she, and already spayed. All dogs from the shelters are automatically neutered and microchipped. Even purebloods are neutered before being given a home.
Very good. This makes it much much easier. I honestly think if they know no better they assume the persona of another one of the cats rather than be a dog. aka lazing about rather than digging hols and barking at cars.
So exciting having a new puppy, I'm jealous. With a big bag of treats you can teach/train a dog to do virtually anything. The vast majority are food oriented. Get your children reading up on how best to train her. There are also a lot of YouTube videos out there on the subject.
Yeah, this one seems very eager to learn (for treats). She very quickly learnt Sit, Down, and Stay... Although, she seems to be over eager. She keeps coming up to me sitting, staring up at me wanting a treat and when it doesn't work she gets in the "lay down" position and looks up at me. Sorry pup,you don't get the treat unless I ASK you to do that.
It will be fun watching to see where she fits in the 'pack' as long as she realises she's not the leader
